Perfectly Crispy Pubstyle Fish Fry

Crispy Pub Style Fish Fry Recipe Proper Chippy at Home

By Marcus GrantSeptember 14, 2025

Jump to Recipe

5.00 (3 Ratings)

Table of Contents

☷

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of the seaside without leaving your kitchen? Have you ever wondered how to make the perfect fish fry recipe ? This crispy fish batter recipe guarantees that classic pub style fish fry flavour you've been craving, with a touch of home cooked love.

Brief Overview

This classic fried fish recipe has humble origins. It brings joy to dinner tables across the UK. It's a medium difficulty recipe, ready in about an hour.

This easy fish fry recipe yields four generous servings. It's perfect for a Friday night feast.

Main Benefits

What's so good about this dish? Fish is packed with Omega-3s. They're fantastic for your heart and brain. This homemade fish fry is ideal for a casual gathering.

It's special because it's simple comfort food.

Let's get started!

**What Makes This the Best Fish for Fish Fry ?**

Honestly, the quality of the fish makes all the difference! I used to think any old bit of fish would do.

I learned the hard way that's not true!. Cod or haddock are classics, right? But pollock works great too. Make sure you buy skinless and boneless fillets!

The Secret to My Crispy Fish Batter Recipe

My batter is light as a feather. It's all about the ice-cold beer! A decent beer battered fish recipe needs a cold liquid, alright? Lager is great, but even sparkling water works! The bubbles make the batter extra crispy.

How to Fry Fish Like a Pro

Perfectly Crispy Pubstyle Fish Fry presentation

Temperature is key, my friend! You want your oil at around 175° C ( 350° F). I use a thermometer to make sure.

Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry the fish in batches for that perfect golden colour.

Let's Talk Fish Fry Sides

No fish and chips recipe is complete without, well, chips! Thick cut are the way to go, aren't they? Mushy peas are a must, in my opinion.

A good tartar sauce and a wedge of lemon. Heaven!. Malt vinegar? Naturally!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Fish Fry Lowdown

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks for this proper fish fry recipe . Honestly, getting the ingredients right makes all the difference for that crispy fish batter recipe .

This isn't rocket science, but it's worth paying attention to!

Main Ingredients for the Best Fried Fish Recipe

Here's what you need for our killer pub style fish fry .

1.5 lbs (680g) cod fillets. Cod's great, but haddock or pollock works too. Look for firm, white, and odorless fillets. Stale fish smells really bad when it is fried!
1 tsp (5ml) salt. Simple stuff.
1/2 tsp (2.5ml) black pepper. Freshly ground is always better, innit?
1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice. Cuts through the richness.
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dredging. Don't skimp on the quality!
1 tsp (5ml) baking powder. Helps with that crispy factor.
1/2 tsp (2.5ml) salt. More seasoning!
1/4 tsp (1.25ml) black pepper. Because why not?
1 cup (240ml) ice-cold lager. This is where the magic happens for a beer battered fish recipe !
1 large egg . Lightly beaten, of course.
4 cups (946ml) vegetable oil. For frying, naturally! I remember trying to make my first batch with olive oil. Big mistake! The fried fish recipe turned out burnt.

Seasoning Notes for the Perfect Homemade Fish Fry

Don't be shy with the spices! For our easy fish fry recipe , a simple mix works wonders. A little bit of Old Bay seasoning is optional.

If you don't have lemon, use lime.

Equipment: Keep It Simple for This Easy Fish Fry Recipe

Large, heavy bottomed pot.
Thermometer. Get that oil to 350° F ( 175° C) .
Shallow dishes. For flouring and battering.
Tongs. For wrangling the fried fish .
Wire rack. For draining excess oil. Honestly, I once tried using a wok and it was a disaster. Do not recommend.

You can find best fish for fish fry at your local fishmonger. It goes perfectly with fish fry sides like chips and mushy peas! You'll find yourself wondering how to fry fish properly!

Cooking Up the Perfect Fish Fry at Home

Fancy a proper fish and chips recipe experience without trekking to the local chippy? Honestly, making a pub style fish fry at home is easier than you think.

My nan always said the secret to a good fried fish recipe is all in the batter, and boy, was she right! This easy fish fry recipe will have you feeling like you're on holiday at the seaside.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place: First, get all your ingredients measured out. Chop your best fish for fish fry into even pieces, like cod or haddock. I once tried it with tilapia. Total disaster! It was all mush. Never again!
Time saving organization tips: Prepare the batter while the oil heats up. Having everything ready beforehand saves time and reduces stress. It's the Marie Kondo way of cooking, innit?
Safety reminders: Hot oil is no joke! Keep a close eye on the temperature and never leave it unattended. Always use oven gloves too.

Let's Get Frying: step-by-step

Dry the fish fillets. Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper for that crispy fish batter recipe .
Stir in ice-cold beer (or sparkling water) and egg. Don't overmix.
Heat vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Use a thermometer, trust me.
Dredge fish in flour, then dip in batter.
Carefully lower into hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pan.
Fry for 3- 5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Drain on a wire rack. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for a Top-Notch Fish Fry

Use ice-cold lager or sparkling water for the batter. It makes all the difference. My secret? A splash of vodka!
Avoid overmixing the batter; a few lumps are fine.
To make-ahead, prepare the batter and keep it in the fridge. It will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours .

Fish fry sides ? What's a fish fry without chips? Or mushy peas for the brave souls. A good tartar sauce is a must.

Making a homemade fish fry is a great way to enjoy a classic meal. It's also super satisfying when you nail it! And mastering how to fry fish takes practice but it so worth it.

Recipe Notes For Your Perfect Fish Fry

Right then, let's talk a bit more about nailing this fish fry recipe , shall we? Honestly, there's more to it than just chucking some fish in hot oil.

You know? So here are some tips that are gonna help you avoid the usual pitfalls and create the best fish for fish fry .

Plating Perfection and The Right Fish Fry Sides

Okay, so you've got your beautifully golden, crispy fish batter recipe . Now what? Presentation matters! Pile your pub style fish fry high on a plate, and artfully arrange a few lemon wedges alongside.

A generous dollop of tartar sauce is essential, isn't it? For sides, think classic fish and chips recipe vibes with chunky chips (fries) cooked to golden perfection.

Coleslaw also works wonders, but avoid anything too saucy. And for a beverage? A cold beer or some lemonade.

How to Store Your Delicious Fried Fish Recipe

Right, so you've made too much of your easy fish fry recipe . No worries!

Refrigeration: Let your fried fish recipe cool completely on a wire rack. Then, pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.

It'll keep for up to 2 days . Honestly, it's best eaten fresh though.

Freezing: Freezing is a bit tricky. It's best to freeze before frying! But, if you really must, wrap each piece of homemade fish fry individually in cling film, then foil, before freezing.

It will keep for up to 1 month . However, expect it to be less crispy when reheated.

Reheating: The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes, or until heated through. Air fryers also work a treat!

Variations to spice up the Easy Fish Fry Recipe

Fancy mixing things up a bit? Here are a few ideas to put your own spin on this homemade fish fry .

gluten-free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Also, use a gluten-free beer for a beer battered fish recipe version.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the crispy fish batter recipe . It'll give your fried fish recipe a lovely kick.

Seasonal Swaps: In winter, try using thicker fillets of haddock. In summer, go for something lighter, like cod.

Nutrition, the Real Deal

Alright, let's get real about the nutrition. This isn't health food, is it? It's a treat. But, the fish itself is a good source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Frying adds fat, of course. Portions are key, my friend. Honestly, if you are doing a fish fry , don't go crazy.

Enjoy in moderation.

Look, making a fish fry recipe should be fun, not stressful. Honestly, don't fret about getting it perfect the first time.

Just have a go, enjoy the process, and tweak it to your liking. I promise, with a little practice, you'll be serving up amazing how to fry fish , pub style fish fry in no time.

Go on, give it a bash!

Crispy Fish Fry Recipe The Ultimate Chippy Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to getting REALLY crispy fish in this fish fry recipe?

Right, so the key to properly crispy fish is a few things! First, make sure your batter is ice-cold; that temperature difference between the batter and hot oil gives you a fantastic crunch.

Secondly, don't overcrowd the pot; frying too many pieces at once will lower the oil temp, and you'll end up with soggy fish no one wants that, do they?

Can I use a different type of fish for this fish fry recipe? Cod's a bit pricey, innit?

Absolutely, darling! Cod is a classic, but haddock, pollock, or even a nice piece of tilapia would work a treat. The important thing is to choose a firm white fish that will hold its shape during frying. Avoid anything too delicate, or you'll end up with a bit of a mess!

My batter always ends up a bit thick and gloopy. What am I doing wrong?

Sounds like you might be overmixing the batter. Remember, you want to whisk it together until it's just combined a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to a tough, rather than light, batter. Think of it like making a scone mix; gentle is key!

How do I store leftover fish fry, and how do I reheat it to keep it crispy?

Storing leftover fish fry can be tricky, as it never quite regains its initial glory. Store the cooled fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For reheating, your best bet is to use an oven or air fryer. Reheating in the oven will give it a crispy skin but the microwave will make it soggy.

Try not to microwave it, and try to reheat it quickly

What's a healthier alternative to deep frying for this fish fry recipe?

If you're looking to lighten things up a bit, baking or air frying are good options. For baking, place the battered fish on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown and cooked through. An air fryer will give you a crispier result similar to deep frying with less oil.